Acacia vestita - Hairy Wattle - 10 Seed Pack - Flat Ship Rate - Exotic Tree - NEW

Acacia is a large genus, in the Fabaceae family, that contains over 1200 species of trees and shrubs from warm climates. Some are deciduous but most are evergreen. Over 700 species are native to Australia. There are 40 species, subspecies and varieties of Acacia indigenous to South Africa. They range from low-growing shrubs to tall trees and many have been introduced to other countries for economic and ornamental purposes. Acacias are also common in tropical and subtropical Africa; most African species are characterized by vicious spines and referred to as ‘thorn trees’.

The name Acacia is derived from "akis" meaning a point or barb. The flowers, ranging from deep golden yellow to cream or white, and crowded into globular heads or cylindrical spikes, are often fragrant and produce abundant, bee-attracting pollen. The fruit of Acacias are either round or flattened pods. They do well in most parts of South Africa, and resist all but the severest frosts. Many of them make suitable bonsai candidates and will grow well in pots. The hard coated seeds remain viable for up to 30 years. They should be treated by heating and soaking for germination in spring. In cultivation many species are fast-growing but short-lived (10-15 years). They do best in full sun and well-drained soil. Some will take part-shade. Prune to shape after their flowers have fallen.

Acacia vestita commonly known as Weeping Boree, Weeping Acacia, and Hairy Wattle, is a shrub and small tree native to New South Wales, Australia. Acacia vestita grows to about 3 metres tall and 3m in diameter. The long pendulous branches are covered with soft gray-green leaves. The golden yellow flowers are held in clusters at the branch tips in the spring. It is a very adaptable shrub which tolerates both short periods of soggy soil as well as dry periods. It is a very beautiful plant. It can be propagated by seed, whereby it may be first soaked in hot water to permeate the hard seed coating before planting. Acacia vestita is grown in the horticulture industry as a small multi-trunk tree for gardens, and is popular for drought tolerant landscaping.